BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Sept. 9, 2012) - Spencer Massey came close to winning the pole for the U.S. Nationals, and after a rain delay came just as close to winning the most prestigious event title in drag racing.

At least Massey and Don Schumacher Racing's Prestone/FRAM Top Fuel team were able to earn $100,000 for winning the inaugural Traxxas Nitro Shootout on Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Raceway before rain washed out the next two days of racing forcing a second weekend of racing at the track outside of Indianapolis.

Massey advanced to the championship round Sunday but lost to DSR teammate Tony Schumacher, who won the title in his U.S. Army ROTC dragster for the ninth time.

"All in all it was a good weekend for us," Massey said. "Just qualifying here for the 16-car field when 27 cars were trying to make the show was an accomplishment. This is the first time I've made the final round here but losing hurts a little less considering it was to a teammate.

"We would have loved to have won the race but we're going rounds. We really wanted that U.S. Nationals trophy, but we'll have to wait until next year."

Massey finished second to DSR teammate Antron Brown, whom he beat in the semifinals, in the standings after 17 events and will trail Brown by 30 points when points are reset to start the Countdown to the Championship next weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway's zMAX Dragway at Concord, N.C.

"The points wouldn't have mattered had we beat Tony because we were locked into second place," said Massey, who finished second in the championship race last year. "The Countdown is going to be a lot of fun."